POEMS BY Seamus Heaney and JM Synge go under the hammer on Saturday as part of an auction to raise funds for Ashford Village Hall.

One of the main items up for sale at the auction include the Glanmore Broadside Song by Seamus Heaney and Prelude by John Millington Synge Illustrated with a 1837 Ordnance Survey Ireland Map. They are limited to 25 numbered copies signed by Seamus Heaney. Numbers 1 to 6 are signed by Semaus Heaney, with an additional line from the poem in manuscript.

Also sure to receive a lot of attention will be a postscript holograph manuscript from ' The Spirit Level' also signed by Seamus Heaney.

Ashford Village Hall will be located in the centre of the village where the old national school dating back to 1866 used to be. The Ashford Development Association Ltd., with the co- operation of the Dublin Diocesan Trust, embarked on the restoration and enlargement of the former school.

' The church deserves great credit for the manner in which they have dealt with us. Wicklow County Partnership also played a big role,' says Noel Keyes of the Ashford Development Association.

Much of the work has already been carried out and it is hoped to have the hall section open in time for Christmas, complete with a Christmas party. Once finished, the premises will include a large spacious hall, a heritage room, toilet block including wheelchair accessibility, a kitchen, foyer and some office space upstairs.

'At any one time we hope to have 2, 3 or 4 groups using the hall at the same time. The purpose built heritage room will be open during the day and give an historical account of the area,' comments Sheila Clarke, Ashford Development Association Ltd.

She adds, ' the whole community have really gotten behind us. So much of the work was carried out on a free and voluntary basis, with people freely giving up their time to help us. There was an awful lot of voluntary labour involved and we are very thankful for that.'

Saturday's auction takes place in Chester Beattys, Ashford at 2 p.m.. Viewing starts from 11 a.m.. Altogether there will be 41lots to bid on, including fine art paintings, photographs, prints and signed publications.